Excellence

Excellence is a quality desired by many, either as individuals or as a society.

Excellence is a frame of mind, a vision of effort, in pursuit of perfection. Perfection is absolute, excellence is relative and thereby more feasible.

The first level of excellence is the excellence of mind. The mind reaches out for ideals which it treasures. Ideals are always good and beneficial to people.

The second level of excellence is the excellence of character. Integrity is to be true to one's ideals. Honesty is to be true to oneself, one's words, and one's possession. A hallmark of honesty is the brevity of words, for one speaks with thought and caution. It is so easy to fall into the trap of giving in to one's flash of emotion. Temper is always raised by the coward as an excuse for unkind words or unjustified action.

The third level of excellence is the excellence in one's handiwork. At the end of the day, all work is done by the hands, as translated by the mind. Excellence can be seen, as well as heard, read or felt.

But excellence is hard work. For it requires a discipline, a way of life which is stringent on one's resolve and behaviour. Excellence requires practice in the coordination of one's senses and thoughts, which all performing artists can tell you will require at least eight hours of practice every day.

In other words, excellence is a way of life. And so is laziness and sloth.